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NEW CAI question

1K views 15 replies 9 participants last post by  Dr. Evil 
#1 ·
I have recently been doing my research on Cold Air Intakes. I have read countless threads on multiple forums about whether or not they improve performance. At this point I understand both sides of the argument there. I also have heard many varying opinions on how well they filter air. At this point in my research I just want to know if a cold air intake is installed is there any serious damage that can be done to the engine. I understand that if the filter does not filter air well that that can damage your engine what I am asking is will a possible increase in air flow do any damage to the engine.

I have an 08 JKU Rubicon 3.8L
 
#3 ·
If you are going to install a CAI. Make sure all the sealing joints are tight and secure! Don't rush it. If you leave a small gap anywhere you might as well just throw sand into the intake and go window shopping for a new vehicle. The dust will destroy your compression over time by scuffing the cylinders. Your not going to feel much of anything as far as power. The biggest difference will be the sound it makes when your foot is buried into the gas. Which is nice. :happyyes: I still have to experiment with a Diablo turner, but that's another story. I had a Jet chip installed with the CAI and it did improve power, but the power band was so all over the place and worse gas mileage also makes it highly debatable! It also jump took a dump and had to remove it. So if you want more grumble under heavy driving... go for it. If you really want more power, go trade it in for a 3.6L.
 
#4 ·
That manly rumble is the main thing i am looking for. If i get better gas milage or more power that is a plus but not the reason i would buy a CAI. As long as it won't damage the engine if installed properly (good point about the seals being good and tight) i think it may be a purchase in the near future.
 
#5 ·
Do you plan on using the Jeep off-road? If so, I would stay away from it. Even if it's sealed up tight, the more free flowing air also allows more dust particles. If it's a mall crawler, not so much.
 
#6 ·
There was another recent thread about CAIs and one post linked to another thread about a forum member fighting Chrysler to get his engine repaired/replaced due to damage caused by a dealer installed Mopar CAI. CAIs generally don't provide gains of any kind in our JKs, and the stock air intake system is ideally designed for our engines.
 
#8 ·
I love all of the input. One thing that confuses me is that everyone is against a CAI because cold air or increased air flow does nothing for the engine. If you are saying that a snorkel increases air flow then what is the point of installing one if it does nothing for the engine? I know most people don't drive through water that is over the hood of their vehicle so my question is isnt the argument for both a snorkel and CAI the same?
 
#10 ·
I wasn't saying to get a snorkel to allow for more air flow. It will just be a direct intake to the air that's outside. But still has a decent filter. And has an actual purpose other than the supposed ones of a cold air intake.
If you want a cold air intake for whatever reason, get a snorkel. Then it's multi purpose (your reason and the fact that it's a snorkel)
Make sense.
 
#9 ·
The snorkel will not improve your engine performance either but it will greatly reduce the possibility of water ingest where as the CAI increases it. Some install the snorkel for pure looks just like some install the CAI for under the hood appearance and as a noise maker.
 
#11 ·
JEEZ!!! I didn't even look at you avatar pic thorschanck. No no no... you don't want a cold air intake if your blasting through ponds! Although I do miss going blind from doing the same. Get the snorkel.
 
#12 ·
I understand that a snorkel will relocate your intake so you wont pull water into your engine. However as was mentioned I've driven through some pretty deep water and had no issues with the stock intake pulling water into the engine. The cai i am looking at is very similar to the stock intake in that it is enclosed and only has an opening in roughly the same location as the stock intake. If i current have no issues i feel that adding this type of intake will not cause any either.

Personal protective equipment Helmet Wheel
 
#13 ·
I understand that a snorkel will relocate your intake so you wont pull water into your engine. However as was mentioned I've driven through some pretty deep water and had no issues with the stock intake pulling water into the engine. The cai i am looking at is very similar to the stock intake in that it is enclosed and only has an opening in roughly the same location as the stock intake. If i current have no issues i feel that adding this type of intake will not cause any either.

View attachment 2326441
YET. The kind of driving in your avatar pic is begging for a hydrolocked engine. It's all down to chance though, so maybe you'll continue to be fortunate.
 
#16 ·
None so far.:bop:
 
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